Rotavirus vaccines: development, current issues and future prospects

The potential benefit of safe and effective rotavirus vaccination in reducing morbidity and especially mortality from rotavirus gastroenteritis among children in developing countries has long been recognised. More recently, the focus of attention shifted to developed countries, where cost-effectiveness analyses justified the routine introduction of rotavirus vaccines into childhood immunisation schedules. The recent withdrawal in the U.S.A. of the first licensed rotavirus vaccine (the tetravalent rhesus reassortant rotavirus vaccine), following investigation into reports of intussusception among a number of vaccinees, has directed attention once more towards rotavirus vaccine use in developing countries. However, issues relating to vaccine safety, efficacy, and cost, remain to be overcome before widespread introduction of rotavirus vaccines can be anticipated.